Weekend getaway: Portland

Explore Portland: Hotel Monaco

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Image by: ELLE Canada
By: Charlotte Herrold
Source: Kimpton Hotels

STAY The Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland proves that it's possible to be both pet-friendly and fashionable. Whether or not you're travelling with Fido, this boutique hotel offers the perfect balance of laidback luxury – with spacious suites, colourful eclectic decor and, best of all, complimentary happy hour. (Plus, treats for your dog at the check-in desk – just don't mistake it for a cookie jar!) Steps from many of Portland's main attractions, Hotel Monaco is the ideal starting point for a walking tour of the city. READ MORE: ELLE editors' favourite Canadian brunch spots

Explore Portland: Crafty Wonderland

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Image by: ELLE Canada
By: Charlotte Herrold
Source: Crafty Wonderland

SHOP After strolling through Union Way, the modern arcade alley featuring American shops like Steven Alan and Oregon’s own Will Leather, head about five minutes south to Crafty Wonderland, a pop-up showcase of wares from more than 180 local artisans. Here you’ll find unique gifts (cat-shaped pillows, anyone?), jewellery, hand-printed cards and locally sourced apothecary items. READ MORE: Weekend getaway to Las Vegas

Explore Portland: Barista

FUEL Like nearby Seattle, Portland is known for good coffee – and options for an expertly roasted cup of Joe abound. You'll no doubt try the popular Stumptown Coffee Roasters, but make sure to also check out the more under-the-radar Barista, which has outposts in the Pearl District, downtown, in Nob Hill and in the artist district. After a cup or two, you'll have enough pep in your step to walk to all four. READ MORE: Weekend getaway to Miami

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Explore Portland: Keen Garage

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Image by: ELLE Canada
By: Charlotte Herrold
Source: Keen

GEAR UP Getting around by any means other than biking or walking may as well be illegal in Portland for how uncommon it is to drive a car or even take a cab. So make like the the locals and gear up with functional walking shoes and a light rain jacket (because, yes, it will rain) at the Keen headquarters in the Pearl District. A converted industrial warehouse dating back to 1907, the Keen Garage is worth checking out just to marvel at its awesome architecture: When the brand restored it, turning it into their head office and an adjacent retail space, they reused all the materials on site, disposing of only one dumpster of waste. The results are breathtaking – not to mention an inspiring example of sustainable development. READ MORE: Weekend getaway to Brooklyn

Explore Portland: Columbia River Trail

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Image by: ELLE Canada
By: Charlotte Herrold
Source: Charlotte Herrold

HIKE No trip to Oregon would be complete without a hike through the exquisite Columbia River gorge. Just an hour by car from downtown Portland, the trails are shaded by beautiful moss-covered trees and punctuated with stunning waterfalls. With options from 'easy' to 'difficult,' there is a picturesque route for every level of althlete – so make sure to pack your hiking boots, or pick up a pair when you visit Keen. READ MORE: Weekend getaway to Long Island City

Explore Portland: Powell's City of Books

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Image by: ELLE Canada
By: Charlotte Herrold
Source: Powell's Books

PERUSE Bibliophiles will want to plan at least two hours to wander around Powell's City of Books – and don't scoff when a sales associate offers you a map of the store, you'll need it! The largest indepenent book store in the world, it takes up a full city block and stocks rare treasures, hard-to-find used books and a good selection of indie and self-published chapbooks. Plan your visit around one of the daily author events listed on their website, or simply pop in to marvel at the maze of stacks. READ MORE: Tales from an adventuress

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Explore Portland: Departure at the Nines Hotel

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Image by: ELLE Canada
By: Charlotte Herrold
Source: The Nines Hotel

DRINK Set atop the glitzy Nines Hotel in the former Meier & Frank department store building, Departure's rooftop lounge is the perfect place to start your night out in Portland. Take in the view of the city, river and mountains beyond at sunset, while sipping on the yuzu-based 'Running Wakamomo' cocktail with refreshing peach, lime and mint. READ MORE: A stylish tour of Denmark's cool capital

Explore Portland: Mediterranean Exploration Company

DINE Tucked away in the Pearl District, Mediterranean Exploration Company is a culinary gem, serving mouth-watering modern takes on traditional Israeli and eastern Mediterranean dishes in a cool industrial atmosphere. Order the Moroccan baked eggs and Lebanese eggplant to share at this family-style joint, and make sure to save room for the cardamom ice cream affogato. READ MORE: Enter another era at Ballyfin